New revenue needed to keep district on right path

The recent letters concerning the school levy have been written by passionate people supporting both sides of the issue.

With any organization the size of our school district, people can find individual topics on which to differ. But the larger issue is the kind of school district that we desire as a community.

There is a community value that is placed on excellent schools. If you don't think so, look at Upper Arlington and Bexley. Property values in these communities continue to rise, despite an aging housing stock. Market demand for these homes seems to correlate to the strength of their respective school districts.

Has the Westerville school district been good stewards of our public investment? Overall, school taxes are lower in Westerville than Upper Arlington, Bexley, Dublin, New Albany, Worthington, Hilliard, Grandview Heights, Pickerington and Reynoldsburg. Upon review, Westerville is actually in the lower third of Franklin County districts in terms of property taxes per $100,000 valuation.

Especially in these times, people often think in terms of additional costs. But is there value in additional costs? Are we striving toward being adequate or excellent? There has been improved academic achievement, as test scores continue to increase in the district. There have also been substantial new costs with the opening of the new high school and two new elementary schools.

I believe that there is a need for new revenue to continue the district's path toward excellence.

Scott McAfee